Cambridge alumnus Andrew Smyth's Great British Bake Off dream is over, as he crumbled under pressure in tonight's final.

He may be used to beating stiff peaks, but Andrew was unable to beat the stiff competition, as he failed to rise to the challenge of the final. Judges Mary and Paul didn't sugarcoat their comments when his meringue crowns, Victoria sandwich and picnic came up half-baked.

Candice – who has won the prized Star Baker award three times, putting her joint most successful across the history of the show, along with past contestants Ian Cumming, Ruby Tandoh, and even last year's winner Nadiya Hussain – was widely thought to be the favourite going into tonight's final. And the PE teacher from Bedfordshire pulled it out the piping bag tonight, as her offerings secured her first prize.

Smyth, who graduated from Sidney Sussex with an Engineering degree in 2013, has become known in the competition for his intricate bakes and engineer's precision. But he was forced to eat humble pie tonight, as the timer went on his time in the famous Bake Off tent.

Derby-based Andrew has plenty to be proud of, however, as he claimed the show's prized Star Baker accolade in Botanicals Week, and again in last week's Patisserie Week semi-final.

Bake Off success would have been the icing on the cake for Cambridge alumni, who have historically gone on to do great things. For now though, it seems they will have to content themselves with topping league tables instead of cakes, and leave the baking pipe dream for another year